Arts faculty association running by-election to fill vacant seats
The president and VP (internal) positions were recently vacated
Haley DangThe Organization for Arts Students and Interdisciplinary Studies (OASIS) is looking to fill six council seats and four executive positions in their by-election on October 3 and 4.
These vacancies include those that were failed to be filled in previous elections and from two OASIS executives that recently resigned. OASIS successfully passed an opt-outable $2.50 per semester faculty association membership fee (FAMF) for all arts students last year to increase granting capabilities for student groups. However, the number of vacancies in OASIS has led to concerns from students and Students’ Union executives on whether they will be able to carry out their FAMF promises.
“It is a little bit concerning that there are so many vacancies, just because OASIS does have a faculty association membership fee that’s brand new,” said SU vice-president (academic) Akanksha Bhatnagar. “However, once the seats are filled, both myself and Discover Governance will be working closely with them to ensure that they implement the FAMF plan as promised to council last year.”
Councillor positions to be filled include two fine arts seats, two humanities seats, one social sciences seat, and one interdisciplinary seat. Vacant executive positions include president, vice-president (internal), vice-president (finance), and vice president (outreach).
The president and VP (internal) positions were recently vacated after previously elected candidates Srosh Hassan and Annina Plummer resigned after each receiving internship opportunities outside Canada.
“As much as I would have wanted to continue serving as OASIS president for the academic year, my team and I didn’t think it was feasible, and that more importantly, it wasn’t fair to OASIS or arts students,” Hassan said.
“I left OASIS knowing it would be in the hands of outstanding individuals both before and after the by-elections,” Plummer added. “There are many amazing ideas and initiatives in the works and I’m excited to see them come into fruition.”
OASIS vice-president (external) Harnoor Kochar said while she understands why students may be concerned about the large number of vacancies, OASIS remains “very much committed” to ensuring the fees collected from arts students will be used to provide services as promised last year.
“We don’t take our accountability and commitment to students lightly,” Kochar said. “The fact that these resignations occurred early in the year will allow us to make a more cohesive team early on. Once the [executive team is set] we will be committed to ensuring the [FAMF will be used in a way] that’s accountable to the students in the Faculty of Arts.”
Aside from OASIS, the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society (ISSS), Faculty of ALES Undergraduate Association (FAUnA), Association des Universitaires de la Faculté Saint-Jean, and the Education Students’ Association are also hosting by-elections this month.
Both Bhatnagar and Kochar said they hope students will come out this week to vote for their respective faculty associations.
“It’s a very important by-election not only for OASIS but a lot of other departments who have their by-elections during this time,” Kochar said. “I really hope students come out to vote and engage with candidates to find out how they can best address their needs.”
